I’ve been feeling a little old lately. I just celebrated my 35th wedding anniversary (same man) and my 40th high school reunion. When I look in the mirror, I am surprised by the face I see. It looks a little worn and tired. So I started getting estimates on what it would cost to get me looking closer to 45. It is expensive! Plus, no one guarantees their work. I just saw lots of before and after pictures, which sometimes make you think you don’t look so bad after all.
After visiting my dermatologist for my latest all-body skin check, which resulted in having several things frozen off and a biopsy, I was ready to start my do-it-yourself age reversal and knock 13 years off my face. But first I needed a plan.
My friend Cheryl, who actually might be funnier than me, is the manager of Pellé Medical Spa. Now, you would think that’s terrific for me. I could just go there and she would tell me what to do. Sadly, it’s located in New Hampshire, which makes appointments a little too expensive. The key, according to Cheryl, is hydration. (Unlike in The Graduate, when the key was plastics.)
So the first thing to try was the Seoul Mamas Revitalizing Mask. Never heard of it? Well, I am here to tip you off to one of St. Louis’ newest beauty pioneers, Geri Cope, who found these facial sheet masks while in Korea finalizing the adoption of her fourth child. Who wouldn’t want to start a company at the same time you are adding another child to your family? Geri was adopted from Korea and always had been amazed at the flawless skin of the women there. She routinely would bring home skin care products and give them as gifts. The sheet masks were big hits, so her company, Seoul Mamas, was created. You can order yours at seoulmamas.com, and I promise you will glow after using just one. Both my daughter Tess and I looked much younger. (She’s only 22, but it’s never too early to start taking care of your skin!) Plus, it’s a new local business for you to support.
Cheryl told me about a new type of facial called the hydrafacial. It’s a little hard to explain other than it sucks out all of the dirt and gross stuff from your face and then infuses your skin with all kinds of good stuff. Not a lot of places offer it in St. Louis, but Avani Derm Spa does. This procedure does not hurt, and your skin looks radiant. Before you leave, ask to see the container of stuff they extracted from your skin. I know it sounds gross, and it is, but do it!
The final step, according to my guru Cheryl, is to use a good skin care product line. She suggested Jan Marini, but the reality is, anything you use along with sunscreen probably works just fine.
So, do I look any younger? Not really. My skin looks better though. And now that my hair is longer, I get more taps on the shoulder from guys who think I am younger (at least from behind). Yes, they are shocked to see someone their mom’s age turn around, but at least it’s a well-hydrated mom.
Contact Patty at phannum@townandstyle.com.
